Parents in the class also learn useful potty-training strategies to help their child achieve the developmental milestone. They participate in a variety of handson activities with their children as well.

"Play is learning," Carman said, explaining that young children learn through experience and the use of the five senses.

As an example of the rich, playful learning environment, Carman said children look at seashells under microscopes and "feel them, touch them and shake them."

"We let them touch everything," she said.

The developmental approach to learning focuses on what children should be doing at different ages. Parents, she said, learn from teachers and other parents.

"It's much more about play (for the children) and observation for the parents," the teacher said.

The parent education program is a bargain financially, Carman said. For $105, parents and their child can attendthreehour morning sessions for 20 weeks. The class is scheduled from Feb. 7 through June 20.

"It's a great value for your money. You would pay that price for some (programs) for just a month," she said.

All teachers in the program are credentialed and cleared by the Ventura County Office of Education. "It is part of the public school system and open to everyone," Carman said.

The only requirement is that children must be between 2 ½ and 3 ½ years old by Dec. 2, 2008.

Registration for the class began on Jan. 20. The preschool is located at 1880 Blackstock Ave., in Simi Valley. For questions or information about enrollment call (805) 579-6288.